Overseas-trained doctors could be fast-tracked to work as Australia’s staff shortage projected to swell

Hundreds of overseas-trained doctors were unable to work during the pandemic due to Australia’s complex system of approving foreign medical graduates to work locally. Photograph: Penny Stephens/The Guardian

Overseas-trained doctors may be able to start working in Australia more quickly under changes being considered by the peak body for general practitioners aimed at addressing a ballooning doctor shortage.

Hundreds of foreign-trained doctors living in Australia were unable to work during the pandemic due to a complex and rigorous system of approving international medical graduates to work locally.